Do you accept the first tenant or the one with the best credit ?

[Fili Aguirre]

Do you run multiple people's credit checks at the same time and then choose the one with the best credit score? Or do it per person? What if a person got a decent credit applied first and another did it later BUT got a better credit? Is it legal to accept the 2rd one who applied?

Thanks

[Brandon Rush]

Hey Fili,

I actually have them complete a pre-screen application and then select a tenant that looks best qualified. I ask pretty much the same questions a background check would ask such as any felonies, any evictions, income and etc.  If their background checks fails because they lied about something or there is something that is unacceptable, I move on and continue the process with the next tenant. I am sure there are different processes out there for larger properties. In your case, I would say, yes it is ok to accept the 2nd applicant as long as you are not discriminating in any way. 

Good luck!